Mercedes has released the first pictures of the EQ C
ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Previewed by the Generation EQ
concept, the production model is roughly the same size as the GLC but it has
unique styling which hints at its alternative powertrain. Key changes
include new headlights, a distinctive grille and a more dramatic roofline.
The EQ C will go into production in 2019 and
Mercedes has announced the crossover has successfully completed its winter
testing program in northern Sweden. As part of the testing regimen, the EQ C
and GLC F-CELL were subjected to snow-covered roads, handling courses and skid
pads on almost sheer ice. The models also had to deal with gradients of up to
20 percent and temperatures as low as -35° Celsius (-31° Fahrenheit).
Since the EQ C is electric, it needed to undergo
additional testing to ensure its powertrain could handle the extreme
conditions. As Mercedes explained, engineers examined the vehicle’s range,
charging cables and operating strategy. They also monitored the climate control
system and the output of the electric powertrain.
In interview with the company’s PR team, Mercedes EQ
C chief engineer Michael Kelz said “The pre-production EQ C offers a very safe
driving feel and is also so much fun that it leaves a permanent smile on its
driver’s face.” He went on to say the crossover is “dynamic and powerful” but a
“quiet glider” thanks to its electric powertrain. Kelz added the company is now
“concentrating on fine-tuning, prior to the vehicle launch.”
Performance specifications remain unconfirmed the EQ
C is expected to have two electric motors as well as a range of up to 500 km on a single charge.
